JOTTINGS FROM THE LOBBY

Hokitika Guardian, 26 October 1920, Page 1

JOTTINGS FROM THE LOBBY

(Our Parliamentary Correspondent.) WAIHO GORGE SPRINGS. . WELLINGTON, Oet. 26 Mr Scddon (Westland) asked the Minister in charge of the Tourist and Health Resorts Department whether he , will cause a survey to be made near the Franz Josef Glacier, with a' view to opening up and developing the hot springs in that locality. The waters of the hot springs are known to possess curative properties and at present the accommodation for patients is quite inadequate. . Hon Nosworthy replied—l am aware of the attraction' of the batli to visitors, and shall inquire as' to the necessity for increased accommodation there. The Department lias already in its possession an analysis of the water of the springs at \Vaiho Gorge. WESTLAND’S GLACIER. WELLINGTON, Oct. 26. ' Mr Seddon, in the Rouse, urged the ■ Minister in charge of Tourist and health resorts to give attention , ;0 WJsstland. He suggested" particularly the development of hot springs in the neighbourhood of Franz Josef Glacier. This splendid scenic and health resort was being used to a certain extent, but the facilities were very poor. If the district received a share of advertising now given to Rotorua and Mt. Cook, it. would attract very many visitors. He pointed out that many fine mountain climbs could be made from Franz Jo'seph, linehiding thi; crossing to the , .Southern Alps to Mt. Cook. EXPLOSIVES BILL. WELLINGTON, Oct. 26 The House sat for about two hours tonight artd dealt with business of minor importance. Ministers answered a feu questions without notice and then the Explosive and Dangerous Goods Bill which deals chiefly, with the storage of motor fuel, was read a second time and put through’ its other stages and pass- ; ed. Tt is a. lion-contentious measure, ■ and the sole aspect' of it that was discussed with any interest, by the House, was whether or not barbers should be allowed to put petrol spirit on their customers hair. A clause forbidding this was accepted. ; REPLIES TO QUESTIONS. ! Ministers printed answers to a tortsnigilt’s accumulation' of questions put on order paper by members, were eir- ’ ciliated and were discussed briefly by some members before the House rose. LONG DELAYED HISTORY. A long delayed history of the part played by New Zealand contingents in the South African war was mentioned in the House. Mr Statham (Dunedin Central) said'he understood the history had been prepared by Captain Beamish, and he had heard that it had actually got into the hands of the pnfiter. Sir Heaton Rhodes replied that he remcm,bored a vote appearing periodically on the estimates for tile printing of this ; historv in years before the great war. It had been his habit, as a private member to ask Government when the his--1 tory was going to he published. Fo was > surprised to hear that it was stall delayed. He would make enquiries.